The scariest of all diseases, COVID-19 has gripped the entire world in its claws. The need of the hour is to boost immunity against Corona virus and while every person must work towards this, our senior citizens need to be taken special care during corona pandemic. For, their immunity is as low as that of a child. So here we have top 10 immunity boosters for seniors.
Top 10 Immunity Boosting Tips for the Elderly
- Watch your diet – When we’re younger, there’s someone to watch over our meal time and diet practices– our parents and spouse. But as we grow older and alone too (with kids being married off), we tend to get lenient. Ironically, old age is the most important time to take care of what we eat and when. Good health lies in a well-balanced diet that’s replete with protein, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy.
- Wash hands frequently – This isn’t the mantra to follow only at this crucial hour; it’s the best immune booster for seniors at all times. Washing hands thoroughly can help fight germs and prevent diseases.
- Keep yourself active – Another easily-forgotten practice as we get older. Agreed, our body can’t run or jump around the way it could when we were a child but that’s no reason to make it inactive and immobile. Include some amount of comfortable but regular physical activity in your routine. Walking or yoga, exercise is one of the best supporters of immune health.
- Keep stress at bay – It’s not easy since an idle mind (after retirement) is indeed a devil’s workshop. Research suggests that chronic stress has a direct impact on the body’s immunity to fight illnesses – both physical and mental. Few minutes of conscious relaxation every day – meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or scripture-reading – is the natural immune booster for seniors.
- Stay connected – Loneliness leads to stress so before you get caught up in senior isolation, create a social circle to connect with like-minded seniors. Even if you’re unwell, you can still call, text, Skype, or video call with your loved ones to feel connected and happy.
- Rest Well to boost immunity – You’ve worked hard enough all your life; now is the time to get plenty of rest and sleep you so well deserve. Irregular sleep habits are related to type 2 diabetes, heart conditions, and depression.
- Drink plenty of water – With age, losing some sense of thirst is common so it’s even important to stay hydrated consciously so that toxins get flushed out.
- Reduce alcohol – Even if you must, it should be no more than 2 drinks per day for older men.
- Avoid smoking – If you’d been thinking of quitting it for long, now is the best time. Smoking hampers your body immunity to fight cold, flu and other infections.
- Consider herbal supplements – Multivitamins can help restore certain body deficiencies and keep the immune system strong. Stick to herbal supplements wherever possible.
Eating healthy, exercise, and staying positive are the 3 keys to boost immunity in old age. Hope these immunity boosters for seniors will help you alot to build a good immunity. Follow them and stay younger as you grow old.